What Is Buck Island Reef National Monument?
This national monument protects Buck Island and almost 19,000 acres of coral reef!
What Makes It Beautiful?
Sadly, when I visited, the waves were so rough that it was way too dangerous to go snorkeling, and I didn’t get a chance to experience the full splendor of the reef. From what I hear, once you’re underwater, you’re in one of the finest Caribbean sea gardens with elkhorn coral stretching forty feet from seafloor to surface! What I did get to experience instead was the crystal blue water from above, via a short hike through the subtropical dry forest to an observation platform. Along the way, I admired the cool column cacti and air plants, part of an ecosystem that has had to be rebuilt after centuries of misuse! Even above the water, though, it’s easy to get lost in that magnificent Caribbean blue, making it worth the ride! Oh! And since it’s illegal to take shells from St. Croix and Buck Island, there are huge conch shells stacked and arranged along the beach!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Donate to Buck Island Reef National Monument!
- Be a responsible visitor! Remember the old adages: Pack out what you pack in! Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!
How Do I Get There?
Visitor center:
- 1 Company St
Christiansted, St Croix 00820
U.S. Virgin Islands
Big Beard’s Adventure Tours:
- 90 Queen Cross St
Christiansted, St Croix 00820
U.S. Virgin Islands
When Should I Visit the Park?
Access to the park is between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM! I recommend booking a tour with Big Beard’s Adventure Tours to get you there!
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